If youre looking for an alternative to peanut oil, these are the 5 best peanut oil substitutes. These oils can be used in recipes calling for peanut oil because they taste similar and have a high smoking point.
Most peanut oil youll see at the grocery store is refined. Refined peanut oil has been processed to make it more shelf-stable and heat-stable. This process also diminishes the flavor, giving refined peanut oil a very neutral flavor.
Because refined peanut oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, it can be cooked at high temperatures. It is mainly used for deep-frying, sautéeing and stir-fry dishes. It is also used in salad dressing because it has a neutral flavor.
However, you can also buy unrefined peanut oil. Unrefined peanut oil has the flavor of peanuts and a lower smoke point. It is usually more expensive. Similar to roasted peanut oil, it’s typically drizzled on after food has finished cooking to give food or salad dressing a nutty flavor.
Check out this helpful chart about selecting the best cooking oil to learn more about the refining process and the distinctions between naturally and artificially refined oils, as well as between cold-pressed and expeller-pressed oils.
In this piece, we’ll discuss the best alternatives to refined peanut oil, which is typically used in cooking.
High smoke point, neutral flavor, and refined oils are the best alternatives to refined peanut oil. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Widely available and inexpensive, canola oil is the best alternative and a great substitute for peanut oil. It has a neutral flavor, making it a good option for salad dressing. Although canola oil has a slightly lower smoke point than peanut oil (about 400º F), it is still hot enough to be used for stir-frying or deep-frying.
Safflower oil is also a good choice. Refined safflower oil is made from the seeds of the safflower plant and has a very high smoke point (510º F) with almost no flavor. Its a good oil for deep-frying or high heat cooking. However, It is usually more expensive than peanut oil.
Sunflower oil is easy to find in stores and fairly affordable, making it a good peanut oil substitute. It has a neutral flavor, making a good option for most recipes. Its smoke point is around 440º F.
With the price of peanut oil skyrocketing, many are looking for cheaper alternatives for frying their Thanksgiving turkey. Luckily, there are several options available that won’t break the bank.
Cottonseed oil is a great choice for frying turkey. It has a similar smoke point to peanut oil (around 450 degrees) and is significantly cheaper A three-gallon jug of cottonseed oil will set you back around $30, compared to $40 for peanut oil
Another option is a frying blend, which is a mixture of peanut and vegetable oil. This blend is also cheaper than peanut oil and can be found at most grocery stores
No matter which oil you choose be sure to follow these safety tips when frying your turkey:
- Never fry a turkey indoors. The oil can easily catch fire and cause a serious accident.
- Always use a deep fryer with a thermostat. This will help you regulate the temperature of the oil and prevent it from getting too hot.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before frying. Any ice on the turkey will cause the oil to splatter and could lead to burns.
- Don’t overfill the fryer. The oil can boil over and cause a fire.
- Never leave the fryer unattended. Stay close by and keep an eye on the temperature of the oil.
- Be careful when removing the turkey from the fryer. The oil will be very hot and could cause burns.
With a little planning and caution, you can still enjoy a delicious fried turkey this Thanksgiving, even without using peanut oil.
Here are some additional tips for frying turkey:
- Use a turkey fryer kit. These kits come with everything you need to fry a turkey safely, including a fryer, thermometer, and stand.
- Brine the turkey before frying. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- Season the turkey with your favorite spices.
- Cook the turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes per pound.
- Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Enjoy your delicious fried turkey!
P.S. Be sure to check out our other Thanksgiving recipes for more ideas on how to make your holiday feast a success.
P.P.S. Don’t forget to share your photos of your fried turkey on social media!
Additional Resources:
- National Turkey Federation
- Butterball Turkey Talk-Line
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Refined, Light or Blended Olive Oil
Refined, or light, olive oil is different than extra virgin olive oil. Additional processing of refined olive oil typically entails high heat and/or chemicals that reduce the oil’s flavor and odor.
Sometimes, extra virgin olive oil is blended back in to add flavor. You can also find refined olive oil that is blended with canola or other vegetable oils.
Because of its neutral flavor and relatively high smoke point (about 460º F), refined or light olive oil can be a good alternative to peanut oil.
Corn oil is a type of vegetable oil. Very affordable and easy to find, corn oil is also a good alternative to peanut oil. Corn oil has a neutral taste. It has a smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the same as peanut oil, and can be used at high heat.
Rice bran oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil and soybean oil are also fine substitutes for peanut oil. All three have high smoke points. While avocado has a more buttery texture and a stronger flavor than rice bran or grape seed oil, You can use all 3 of these oils to make salad dressings.
However, they are all quite a bit more expensive. This makes these oils less ideal substitutes, especially if you are using them in larger amounts for deep-frying.
Curious about other oil substitutes? Read about the best substitutes for sesame oil.